CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
Search Results
Author : Brais, S.; and Camiré, C.
Date : 1998
Title : Soil compaction induced by careful logging in the claybelt region of northwestern Quebec (Canada)
Publication : Canadian Journal of Soil Science
Issue : 78(1):
Page(s) : 197-206
Abstract
Soil compaction induced by forest harvesting operations can reduce site productivity. Intensity, extent and persistence of soil compaction were assessed on fine to medium and coarse textured soils. Severe compaction took place in the wheel track section of the skid trails. On fine to medium textured soils, half of the effects on the 0-10 and 10-20 cm mineral soil bulk densities (+11 and +8 %) and half of the changes in the 10 cm depth soil strength (+69 %) occurred in the course of the first two skidding cycles (cycle of half impact). On coarse soils, half of the effect on the 0-10 cm bulk density (+11%) occurred during the first three passes. Cycles of half impact for soil strength were 9, 14, 7 and 6 for the 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 cm depths and corresponded to increases of 235, 402, 157 and 103% respectively. Compaction was more limited between track sections of trails. Six to twelve years following clearcutting on fine to medium textured soils, 0-10 cm soil bulk density was less in the skid trails than on the undisturbed sections of cutovers. Careful logging on moist, fine to medium textured soils is the safest way to limit the extent of soil compaction. On coarse textured soils, spreading the traffic remains a valid option.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology